Curacao

In 2010, SECORE initiated a research project on coral restoration together with the CARMABI Foundation and the Curacao Sea Aquarium. The aim of the project is to better understand sexual reproduction of endangered coral species, especially of the elkhorn coral, and to apply the gained knowledge for reef restoration.

The project outcomes are an important basis for reef conservation in general and for new SECORE project locations elsewhere. Annual field training workshops and outreach programs are essential elements of the project.

SECORE, in collaboration with universities of the Netherlands, Mexico, Guam, Germany and Singapore, carries out an over-regional research approach to develop new techniques for large-scale coral reef restoration using sexual coral reproduction. A corresponding project to Curacao takes place in Mexico in collaboration with the Reef Systems Academic Unit of the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

In the initial year 2010, we installed a land based flow-through aquarium system at the Curacao Sea Aquarium. The system serves specifically for studying coral reproduction, culturing and settling coral larvae, and comparing different restoration approaches. The work of the scientists at the research aquaria can be directly followed by aquarium visitors. Guided tours and educational exhibits provide background information on our project and coral reef conservation.

The research addresses biological and ecological factors influencing the development of coral juveniles, development of large-scale restoration strategies and restoration genetics.

Valerie Chamberland is the SECORE scientist on-site, doing research on coral reproduction and sexual coral restoration. She is supported by SECORE Research Technician Kelly Latijnhouwers and works together with the members of our science board, such as Prof. Iliana Baums and Dr. James Guest.

The project is supported by TUI Cruises, the Green Foundation, the Clyde and Connie Woodburn Foundation, the CARMABI Foundation, the Montei Foundation, the Curaçao Sea Aquarium, the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center Foundation, the California Academy of Sciences, The Nature Conservancy, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, and Minnesota Zoo.

Curacao is a South Caribbean island situated about 60 km off the Venezuelan coast. Geographically, it belongs to the Leeward Antilles that have a too flat topography to catch the rain brought by the northeast trade winds. Hence, Curacao features a dry, hot climate and the vegetation consists of drought-resistant cacti and thorn scrub, called Kunuku. Most people live at or around the capital Willemstad on the southwestern coast. Once a place of transshipment for the slave trade, Curacao's population has a variety of ethnic origins today. Since 2010, the island is an autonomous part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The official language is Dutch, but Papiamentu (a Creole language) is more commonly spoken and English is mostly understood.

Curacao is surrounded by extensive fringing reefs adding up to a total area of ~130 km². As settlements concentrate around Willemstad, large parts of the coast are fairly undeveloped. Thus corals reefs face fewer threats, such as polluted land-run off, compared to other regions in the Caribbean. Generally, coral reefs in the Caribbean have suffered from substantial community changes in the last decades and former reef-builders like elkhorn and staghorn corals have shrunken to alarming low numbers (Status of Caribbean Coral Reefs). Yet, some sites in Curacao still feature coral communities that are reminiscent of reef communities existing decades ago.

The main economic incomes of Curacao are tourism, oil refinery and financial services, as well as activities related to the port of Willemstad, such as shipping (also an embarkation point for cruise ships), international trade and the free trade zone. Tourists, mainly from the Netherlands—but also from the USA and other parts of Europe—enjoy the scenic sand beaches nestled in palm trees. Recreational diving and snorkeling are popular water sport activities.